An emphasis on company culture seems to be a relatively new priority, yet it can be extremely beneficial for employees and companies as a whole. According to a Gallup study, only 30% of employees are engaged at work, while 15% aren’t just disinterested, but actively disengaged. Furthermore, over half of employees are reportedly “quiet quitting”, meaning they’re putting in the minimum amount of effort for their employer and are mentally checked out. Fortunately, there are ways to create a positive environment that boosts productivity and company morale. In fact, companies that view a positive culture as a priority see a 33% increase in revenue. Here are some tips on how to build and maintain a culture that your employees are excited to be a part of:
Measure Current Company Culture
It never hurts to ask! Send out a survey that employees can fill out anonymously and share their thoughts on your company’s workplace environment. Also, conduct exit interviews with employees that have resigned and invite them to share about their experience with your company. Create opportunities for open communication so that you can pinpoint areas in which your company culture can improve. As a general tip, look around the office. Is it a collaborative environment? Do employees seem sufficiently motivated? Take note of any tension or dissatisfaction.
Build a Rewards System
Whether it’s an annual bonus, recognition awards, or just an email shoutout, celebrate your employees and reward them for their hard work. Recognition goes a long way and encourages employees to be more productive. Some companies have even developed a point system where, once an employee has earned a certain number of points, they are rewarded with a gift or perk.
Encourage Team Bonding
Whether it’s a weekly team check-in, an event, or a volunteer day, find ways for your team members to spend time with each other and gain one another’s trust. Get to know your employees on a deeper level by spending time with them. A certain level of camaraderie can go a long way in terms of overall job satisfaction.
Create a Comfortable Physical Environment
Nobody wants to spend all day in a cold, drab office space. Offer snacks and drinks, have a break room, provide quality chairs or standing desks, and ensure the office remains at a reasonable temperature. These are just a few ways to improve your physical environment so that employees are comfortable and feel more positive throughout their work day.
Make Your Expectations Clear
Clear boundaries and guidelines minimize any guessing games throughout the work day. Each individual employee should know what their expectations are related to their job/task as well as office decorum. A sense of structure allows for greater confidence and productivity amongst employees of every level.
Open Communication
This is the big one. The phrase “communication is key” may sound like a total cliché, but it’s still extremely relevant, especially in the workplace. When those within an organization feel reluctant to address potential issues, this leads to frustration and a certain lack of trust in their colleagues/superiors. All communication should remain professional and respectful, yet honest. After all, how can you make the best improvements possible without receiving any feedback?
Every company has different values, but the one thing that should remain consistent is the desire and motivation to make your place of employment the ideal environment for employees to grow and thrive. Sit down with your team and first determine who you are and what you stand for as a company. Let these principles guide you in your decisions moving forward. If there is one key takeaway from this article, it is to listen to your employees and have productive conversations to find solutions that will benefit both company and team.
